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Chris Hughton backs Mark Bunn if the keeper starts for Norwich at Southampton

Norwich boss Chris Hughton has backed replacement goalkeeper Mark Bunn, if he is needed to start against Southampton.

Last Updated: 27/11/12 5:25pm

Mark Bunn: Norwich keeper has been backed if needed to replace John Ruddy against Southampton

Hughton has made it clear he has no issues with putting Bunn in his starting line-up at St Mary's, if first-choice John Ruddy is ruled out due to injury.

England international Ruddy was substituted in the final 10 minutes of Norwich's 1-1 draw against Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday with a thigh injury.

Hughton will make a decision once Ruddy's scan results have been revealed and declared the team are in safe hands if Bunn starts, insisting: "We would have no worries at all about bringing in Mark.

"When we brought him in originally that was the exact reason, because of his experience, which allows the two youngsters we have here to go out and get some games, like Jed (Steer) has done for a period of time and Dec (Rudd) of course at some stage can hopefully get a similar valuable experience.

"Whether John plays really depends on the scan. He is reasonably sore at the moment. We certainly wouldn't want to rule anything out until we know for definite. I think you would have to say at this particular moment there is a doubt, but we haven't given up any hope.

"It was sore enough for him to come off although we are hoping it is not too bad. I think it is one where he could have possibly continued but we felt we weren't in a position to take a chance.

If Ruddy is deemed unfit to play, it will be the fourth match Bunn will have played in for Norwich following his appearances in two cup ties and his late outing off the bench at Everton.